The Japanese government pays part of what small and medium businesses invest. For an SME in Japan, that can cut the cost of a system, a website or a security tool by half or more. This guide sums up the most-used programs in 2026.
補助金 vs 助成金
- 補助金 (hojokin): usually from METI / the SME Agency. Deadlines, screening, and not everyone is approved.
- 助成金 (joseikin): usually from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. If you meet the requirements, you generally receive it.
In both cases the money arrives after you spend, as a reimbursement.
Main programs in 2026
- デジタル化・AI導入補助金2026 (formerly the IT導入補助金): software, cloud and security. Normal track: ¥50,000 to ¥4.5 million, generally covering 1/2. Official site
- 小規模事業者持続化補助金: marketing and new customers for small businesses. Round 19 (2026): up to ¥500,000 (up to ¥2.5 million with bonuses), covering 2/3. Official site
- 業務改善助成金 (FY2026): for employers who raise their in-house minimum wage and invest in productivity. Up to ¥6 million. MHLW
The next posts in this series cover each one in detail.
Before applying for anything
- Get a GビズIDプライム account (can take weeks).
- Do not sign or pay anything before the grant decision (交付決定).
- Have a plan: what you will buy and what problem it solves.
Note: rules change every round. Always check the official call (公募要領) before applying.
How KGA IT helps
KGA IT is not a registered firm that files applications for you, but it handles the whole IT side: choosing the right tool, preparing clear quotes, configuring systems and making everything work after approval. Services include digital consulting from ¥30,000, security diagnosis from ¥15,000, automation from ¥49,800 and websites from ¥49,800 (or ¥5,000/month). See pricing and services.
The first consultation is free. Contact KGA IT to find out which subsidies fit your project.